Dry winters and annual raking of Pine needles takes its toll on the trees.
Every year when you rake Pine needles you expose damp earth that usually dries out within a few days. If the needles were left on the ground, it would be much more healthy for the trees but it would also increase our fire danger.
I place soaker hoses under the drip lines of our trees during August, September and October every time we come to our cabin. I move the hoses around to different locations for each watering.
It's good for the trees and we still stay within our minimum water usage fees.